Trainer’s dilemma “I’ve got no options for her”

“I FINALLY get a nice filly in the stable and I’ve got no options for her.”

That’s the dilemma South Australian horseman Tyson Linke finds himself in with impressive debutant Delacour.

Making her first trip to the races during the weekend, Delacour trounced her rivals in the Mermaid Stake at Globe Derby.

Not only did the daughter of Art Major work overtime in the ‘death seat’, she was never fully extended on her way to a 23-metre victory.

“I am thrilled with her,” Linke said. “Not just because of the way she won, but the way she handled the whole experience.

“It was only her third time off the farm, first time under lights and with the rain there was plenty of noise in the stall area but she just took it all in her stride.”

Driven by Wayne Hill, Delacour was send forward from barrier four as Fairiesdelight led from gate two.

Striding clear along the back straight, the three-year-old rated 2:00.5 over 2230 metres as Aces Daughter and Dougs Cino filled the placings.

“It was good to finally get her to the races,” Linke said. “I had a setback with her as a two-year-old and then when I had her ready earlier this season she decided to injury herself in a paddock meaning I had to give her more time off.

“She has always shown a bit of ability, but it was good to see her take it to the racetrack.

“The problem now is there are no three-year-old fillies’ races coming up, especially with the Southern Cross postponed.

“I finally get a nice filly in the stable and I’ve got no options for her except going against older horses which would traditionally be higher in class than her, but because of the rating system, she pretty much has to go straight up against them.”